Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has witnessed the launch of the 'UAE Global Centre of Trade' programme. This initiative by the Ministry of Foreign Trade is designed to solidify the UAE's role as a key player in international commerce, enhance its status as a global hub for goods and services, and open new markets for UAE exports.
According to Emirates News Agency, the launch event was attended by several high-ranking officials, including His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court; H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance; H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of the Interior; and H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasized the programme's aim to attract the world's top 1,000 international trading companies and establish a digital gateway that connects UAE exporters to global markets. The initiative seeks to enhance opportunities for Emirati products, expand export destinations, and strengthen the UAE's position as a central hub in global trade routes.
The UAE Global Centre of Trade comprises several initiatives aimed at boosting non-oil exports, attracting international trading companies, and empowering UAE exporters with new technologies. The programme reflects the UAE's commitment to strengthening its position as a major hub for international trade flows.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, highlighted the UAE leadership's belief in trade as a catalyst for economic growth and diversification. He stated that the programme's initiatives would help the UAE capture a larger share of international commerce by offering new opportunities for exporters and benefits for companies seeking a platform for expansion.
The programme's launch aligns with the UAE's ongoing growth in non-oil trade, which reached AED 2.67 trillion in the first nine months of 2025, marking a 24.6% increase year-on-year. Non-oil exports also saw significant growth, reaching AED 579.4 billion during the same period, a 42.6% increase from 2024. The value of re-exports rose to AED 597.7 billion, a 15% growth from the previous year, with imports totaling AED 1.5 trillion, a 22.8% increase.
The Ministry of Foreign Trade will lead the UAE Global Centre of Trade, collaborating with various strategic partners, including federal and local government agencies, national institutions, and private-sector companies. The programme encompasses eight initiatives, including attracting international trading companies, developing the UAE Export Portal, and organizing trade promotional events.
Initiative One focuses on attracting global companies to the UAE, leveraging trade analytics to identify high-demand goods and emerging sectors. The UAE Export Portal, part of Initiative Two, aims to connect UAE businesses with global markets through a digital platform, facilitating trade and identifying market opportunities using AI tools.
Initiative Three, Ready2Trade, offers training for UAE exporters, while UAE Trade Days under Initiative Four will promote UAE products in selected countries. Initiative Five will host the UAE International Trade Expo, providing a platform for interaction among global importers and exporters.
Initiatives Six and Seven focus on developing future traders, engaging Emirati youth in global trade opportunities, and building their skills and confidence. Initiative Eight leverages AI to optimize trade management, enhancing forecasting and risk management capabilities.
The UAE Global Centre of Trade aims to position the country as a leading hub for international commerce, enhancing non-oil trade, empowering exporters, and attracting global companies to the UAE.